An advance healthcare directive allows you to make critical decisions about your medical treatment and end-of-life care if you become incapacitated and cannot speak for yourself. The most common types of healthcare directives are a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare. These documents only take effect when you are unable to communicate your own wishes.
While many people postpone creating a healthcare directive because it requires thinking about mortality, including it in your estate plan ensures your preferences are respected and spares your loved ones from making difficult decisions on your behalf. If you have questions about estate planning or drafting a healthcare directive, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced estate lawyer.
What Are the Different Types of Healthcare Directives in Montgomery, Ohio?
Healthcare directives allow you to clearly state your medical preferences and designate someone to act on your behalf. The main types include:
1. Living Will
A living will specifies the medical treatments you want or do not want if you cannot communicate. This can include:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Decide if you want CPR administered in case your heart stops.
Life-Sustaining Treatments: Options such as mechanical ventilation or dialysis.
Organ and Tissue Donation: Indicate whether you wish to donate organs after death.
Nutrition and Hydration Preferences: Specify whether you want a feeding tube and for how long.
Pain Management and Palliative Care: Decide on comfort care, including pain medications and location of end-of-life care.
2. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
This document designates a trusted individual, often called a healthcare proxy, to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. This ensures your wishes are carried out and helps prevent disputes among family members.
3. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
A DNR is a medical order issued by a physician that specifies you do not want CPR if your heart stops. Discussing a DNR with your doctor ensures that your wishes are correctly understood and implemented.
Benefits of Having an Advance Healthcare Directive
Advance healthcare directives provide multiple benefits:
Avoid Family Conflict: Clear instructions reduce disagreements during stressful medical situations.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your wishes are documented provides reassurance to you and your loved ones.
Control Over Care: Your personal values and preferences are respected, giving you autonomy over medical decisions.
How Can a Montgomery Estate Planning Lawyer Help?
While it is possible to draft a healthcare directive yourself, an experienced estate planning lawyer offers several advantages:
Ensures your directive complies with state-specific laws.
Customizes your directive to reflect personal values, beliefs, and healthcare goals.
Minimizes the risk of disputes by meeting all legal standards.
Our Montgomery Estate Planning Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Can Help
At Wolterman Law Office, our Montgomery estate planning lawyers help clients create comprehensive healthcare directives as part of a complete estate plan. To schedule a free consultation, call 513-790-4207 or contact us online. Located in Loveland and Blue Ash, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.